“Don’t be Disruptive”, Public Spaces Protection Order, London circa 2017 Photo by D. Paul Graham

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Can’t Coexist…..

A multitude of discussions over the years with friends, colleagues, and acquaintances about things that can’t coexist have stuck with me. A week of controlled chaos was a good reminder for me of a need to make some changes from conflicting situations and schedules. This morning’s M5T, adapted from 5 years ago, takes a closer look at emotions and states of our lives that can be catalysts for positive change because such contrasting circumstances cannot coexist for extended periods of time.

1. COMFORT AND GROWTH. Comfort is stasis. Growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. Growth emboldens a desire to lead. Growth is about working toward your dreams. Stepping out of a comfort zone means embracing challenges. Success is accepting failure as an outcome. Shunning comfort exposes yourself to fresh ideas, interesting people, and new skills. Growth comes from recognizing unforeseen opportunities. Growth is achieved from taking risks and embracing the unknown. Growth is realizing you are part of something larger than just yourself.

2.ANGER AND SERENITY. Anger separates and polarizes. Serenity centers and unifies. Anger creates fog and uncertainty. Serenity centers and creates clarity. Anger dwells on negativity. Serenity focuses on the positive. Anger is toxic. Serenity heals, mentally and physically. Anger breeds discontent and vengeance. Serenity allows room for forgiveness and grace.

3.FRUSTRATION AND SUCCESS. Frustration comes from opposition, resistance, blocks and walls. Success opens our eyes to discovery and forms perseverance by redefining obstacles. Frustration creates anxiety, confusion and takes an inordinate amount of energy. Success emboldens, refreshes and builds self-confidence. Frustration comes from obsessing and being misinformed. Success comes from being patient, trusting your process, and being cognizant. Frustration from a feeling of not having an ability to influence, of being out of control, repeatedly demanding immediate change, and often being dependent upon others to make those changes. Success comes from believing in and taking control of your life, your dreams, your time; it is understanding the power of delayed satisfaction and being responsible for your own actions without dependence on others for change. Frustration blinds you to the blessings you have all around you. Success channels and feeds optimism and opens your eyes to opportunities.

4.SUCK AND BLOW. One of my ‘Graham-isms’ of life. Try it, but please put your coffee down first so you don’t burn yourself. It’s impossible to do both at the same time. In other words, don’t speak out of both sides of your mouth; have your own opinion. Make an informed decision and act on it. Make a choice and move forward. Full disclosure… a friend has told me that you can suck and blow when playing the Australian didgeridoo. I can neither confirm nor deny his accuracy of this as I have never played the instrument, nor have I hung around with Aboriginal Aussies.

5.FOLLY AND WISDOM. King Solomon had a few things to say about folly and wisdom. Folly comes from ignorance; it is framed by short-term thinking and can result in long-term tragic consequences. Wisdom develops from experience, insight and choices. Folly is undisciplined and petulant. Wisdom builds character and affects disciplined thinking and lifestyle.

Here’s to a week of making coherent informed choices of the people and things that you do want to exist in your life.

© 2024 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

For over 12 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T™. He works hard a finding what he wants to exist in his life.

You can reach Paul by email at dpg@imagegraham.com

“Monday 5 Things” ™ and M5T™ are trademarks of D. Paul Graham